4 reasons why you should be taking an extended-release supplement:

Research shows that around half the UK takes supplements, and if you're reading a PatchWorks blog, it's probably safe to say you're one of them! But which type of supplement will work best for you? A traditional oral supplement or an extended-release formulation, like our patches?

Here are 4 reasons why extended-release is the superior way to get your vitamins:

1. Steady nutrient supply

When you take a standard supplement, your body can quickly absorb and use the nutrients, leading to fluctuations in blood levels. So if you're taking a B12 supplement, for example, this manifests itself as an initial burst of energy, but then you feel wiped out again within a couple of hours. Choose an extended-release formulation, like our B12 Plus patch,  and you get a steady, continuous flow of B12 at optimal levels for the whole 8 hours you wear it.

2. Enhanced absorption

A smaller, regular flow of nutrients is much easier for your body to use than a large dose and is more readily absorbed into your bloodstream. Your body can only absorb a limited amount of a megadose and all the excess will be excreted. Which means loads of the supplement’s nutrients, that you've spent your hard-earned cash on, will end up down the loo – gah.

Extended-release nutrients, on the other hand, improve the bioavailability of nutrients by allowing the body to absorb them more efficiently over time. This means you get more out of each dose, maximising the effectiveness of whatever supplement you're taking.

3. Reduced Side effects

Taking a high dose of lots of nutrients can cause all kinds of unpleasant digestive side effects you could do without. For example, magnesium can cause nausea and diarrhoea, and iron can trigger constipation and upset tummies. Extended-release supplements help minimise these side effects by spreading the nutrient release over several hours, reducing the impact on your gut, and making it much easier to tolerate for anyone with a sensitive stomach.

A slow-release patch is the ULTIMATE workaround if you suffer from tummy troubles because all the nutrients are also delivered via your skin, totally bypassing your digestive system. Yes, an iron supplement you can take without worrying about an upset stomach afterwards really does exist!  The Iron Plus patch is here.

4. Extended-release supplements are easier to use:

Consistency is key when it comes to how effective many supplements are. With oral supplements, you might need to take tablets throughout the day, at the same time every day, to really feel the benefit. If you've got a busy lifestyle, or a terrible memory, this can be nigh on impossible!

Or, you could just pop on a patch every morning and let it do its thing while you get on with your day. Safe in the knowledge you're getting the right amount of the nutrients you need. And because patches are so easy-peasy to use, you're more likely to pop one on every day and won't forget doses. High five!

You can find part 1 of this blog series here.